Of the many reminders and useful tips you will come across related to all things tanning, what is the one tip that you should always remember?
Is it regarding the amount of tanning spray or frequency of tanning bed sessions to effectively achieve a tan, or is it to avoid water or excessive sweating for a few hours after your tanning regimen? Maybe it is the fact that you should not scrub your skin too vigorously?
While all of the above reminders are important to bring out that natural bronze color that you want, most tanning specialists will agree that the most important tip for you to keep in mind is to moisturize your skin before and after your tanning method.
Many tanning products and tanning bed tanning lotions contain natural or processed moisturizing ingredients, but a separate moisturizing product or lotion is also advised for optimal skin hydration.
Moisturized skin is ready for tanning
Before you hit the tanning bed, head to the spray tanning booth, or apply spray tanning lotions or creams, moisturizing your skin adequately makes it ready to absorb the UV rays or tanning solution, and you will see better results. When the skin is dry, it actually reflects UV rays, so it interferes with the coloration process.
Also, dry skin cells peel off quickly, and this top layer of skin is what tanning lotions or spray tans target; if this layer is dry, your tan will not last a very long time.
Skin moisturization is healthy
As it is, there are already risks involved when you expose your skin to the sun or to tanning beds for long periods of time. Direct exposure to UV rays can leave the skin dry, and cause wrinkles or early aging. But if you keep your skin moisturized and adequately hydrated, you will lessen the chances of dry, chapped skin, and it will also look better and healthier especially once your tan sets in.
Moisturize your skin to maintain your tan
The tan color that you see after sunbathing, spray tanning, or applying self-tanners is the result of coloration in the top layers of the skin. When this skin gets dry, it will start to peel off. Dry skin peels off faster than healthy and moisturized skin. In order to prolong and even enhance the look of your tan, keep your skin well-moisturized. You can use lotions, or specific after-tan moisturizing products available.